A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rare Disease Day, held each year on the last day of February, was designed to raise awareness about rare diseases. Its goal is to help improve access to treatment, as well as provide medical representation for people with rare diseases and their families. While Better2gether shares this commitment every day of the year, we will spend the month of February shining an additional light on the issues as we help our community understand rare illnesses and the many ways they impact children and families. Our goal is to not only bring awareness to the issues, but to offer concrete and meaningful ways to support the families we serve.
As the only organization providing nonmedical support to medically complex children and their families in Richmond, we welcome your partnership as we create change by providing opportunities, access to services, and support of the family unit. In this month’s newsletter – as well as through our social media – you will read more about the many ways you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Thank you for all you do to support our mission.
Stephanie Becker
Executive Director, Co-Founder
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Upcoming Events
Kendra Scott Give Back
In Store – February 11th (12 to 2pm ) Online – February 11-12th
SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE!
Pick up last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts or treat yourself with fabulous new jewelry.
- Visit Kendra Scott at Short Pump Town Center in-store – February 11th (12-2pm)
- Shop online February 11-12th
- 20% of your purchase will benefit Better2gether.
Enter code GIVEBACK-BJPMF in your cart at kendrascott.com, or mention the code at checkout to apply.
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James River Cellars Give Back Program
We are excited to partner with James River Cellars during February in celebration of Rare Disease Awareness day.
From February 18-28, James River Cellars will donate $1 to Better2gether for every blue bottle of wine they sell.
We hope you’ll stop by and try their locally made wines and support a great local business- all for a wonderful cause!”
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2nd Annual Better2gether Golf Classic
Save the Date! June 8th – Meadowbrook Country Club
Join us June 8th at Meadowbrook Country Club for a day of golf, fantastic raffle items and team and individual prizes all for a great cause! Sponsorships are open and we’d love to partner with you on this event.
Funds raised support families of children in RVA with medically complex illnesses receive the support they need and live a better life!
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Better2gether in the News
Complex Care Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
The newly created Complex Care Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU provides a unique model of care for children with medically complex illnesses and their families. Since its opening in November, Pediatrician Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough, has seen over 100 patients.
This Clinic was designed to serve as a medical hub for children who see five or more specialists and/or are dependent on medical technology. In addition to providing coordinated medical care, the Complex Care Clinic also recognizes the importance of offering non-medical support to children and families. Better2gether is proud to offer these services as an official partner of the Clinic.
Better2gether is growing to meet the needs of our community, and we’re accepting referrals from the Complex Care Clinic to serve new families. We have already set up a snack pantry for families to access while they spend time in multiple clinic appointments. Thanks to the generous donation of snacks and beverages from Cobb Imprint, the snack pantry was given a great head start.
For additional information about the Complex Care Clinic at Children’s Hospital at VCU, please visit: https://www.chrichmond.org/services/primary-care/complex-care-clinic/complex-care-clinic
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Better2gether Backpack and Tote Bag Amazon Wish List
Better2gether will also be working to provide families with a medical binder to help organize the large amount of information associated with working with multiple specialists and navigating multiple diagnoses.
Additionally, we will provide a variety of toys and games for children and their siblings during their clinic visits. Studies have shown that play in a healthcare setting can offer a number of benefits including: stress relief, distraction, a sense of achievement and mastery, and – of course – fun!
Because Better2gether seeks to provide tangible items like these to support children and families, we have created a wish list to help make this vision a reality.
Here’s how you can help:
Thanks to your generosity, Better2gether can continue providing nonmedical support of children with complex illnesses and their families – both in the Complex Care Clinic and throughout the community.
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Community Partners
Scherm Family Chiropractic – Patient Appreciation Day
Saturday, February 5th – 9am to 3pm
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Scherm Family Chiropractic Patient Appreciation Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 5 from 9am-3pm. That means more time to book your complementary appointment! What better way to start the new year than prioritizing your health and wellness? New patient exams, adjustments for established clients, and chair massages are being offered for a monetary donation to benefit Better2gether.
Call (804) 887-0772 or reach out to Janine Scherm at jscherm@schermfamilychiropractic.com for more information and to book your appointment.
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Cobb Imprint
The new Complex Care Clinic at CHoR is STOCKED, thanks to Cobb Imprint!
Noah Maphis and her team generously donated a food pantry for families to enjoy during their visit to the Complex Care Clinic This incredible donation will mean kids can enjoy a healthy snack and drink- a wonderful and beneficial distraction for kids facing long days of treatment and appointment.
Thanks Cobb Imprint for being a wonderful community partner!
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Volunteer Spotlight
Meet our Board Member: Rob Hines
On any given weekend or during after-work hours, you may be able to find Rob Hines enjoying a quick game of golf or a work-out at the gym. But you’ll be most likely to find him along with his wife, Kira, rooting for and encouraging their three daughters and their many activities and hobbies. “I have a wonderful, supportive family in my wife and three daughters,” he shares. “I grew up playing sports and still try to stay active today, though with the activities of my three girls, their hobbies have become mine, as well.”
After graduating from VCU with a focus on accounting and tax, Rob has enjoyed a variety of career roles in jobs related to income tax and finance. He currently works at Dominion Energy where he “…serves as a manager of a fantastic team in one of our Financial and Business Service units.”
While his days are incredibly busy – with both an active family and a demanding and fulfilling career at Dominion Energy – Rob wanted to do even more. “I had been looking for a new opportunity to give back to others when I learned about B2G from a former Dominion Energy co-worker and friend, Addison Tillar, who was a former B2G Board member,” he explains. “When he told me there may be opportunities to serve with B2G, I knew it would be a great fit. And just over a year into my service, I am glad to say I was correct in that assessment!” He adds, “I love having the opportunity to serve alongside such wonderful people on our staff and board to meet the needs of B2G families.”
Rob’s commitment to serving others comes from a rich history of family members, neighbors, friends and co-workers who have inspired him throughout his life. “I have been blessed with parents, grandparents and extended family that taught me Christian values from the time I was born,” he shares. “My wife and in-laws have also played an important part in forming my values. Having watched my role models and mentors in life serve at church, help friends and neighbors when they needed it, and offer their talents to organizations like school and non-profits, I was able to see the joy that serving others brought them.”
“I am also fortunate to work at Dominion Energy where a commitment to volunteering to support the communities we serve electric and gas services to is a priority and very much supported by our leadership,” he says. “Ultimately, volunteering time to help others is important to me because it is the right thing to do.”
Looking ahead, Rob says, “I hope that my small role as a part of the broader Board will allow our B2G organization continue to grow the number of families we serve and the support services we provide them. Having three children of my own, I have a heart for all children our community has been blessed with.”
Rob is especially excited about Better2gether’s recently announced partnership with the VCU Children’s Hospital of Richmond Complex Care Clinic, which is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of children experiencing complex medical challenges and their families. “I want the children’s families to know that our staff and board cares for you,” he shares.
Acknowledging the hard work of his fellow Board members, B2G staff and volunteers, Rob is also quick to point out that the work of Better2gether could not be done without the generosity of community partners and donors. “Our families and organization are very grateful for the generous donations of our friends and donors, and the funding they’ve provided for B2G to support our community in the past,” he says. “Your continued generosity will be needed more than ever in the future as we continue to grow the B2G organization to meet the needs and provide smiles for the children and families we serve!”
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PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TODAY!
There are thousands of families in RVA caring for a child with a medically complex illness who have no non-medical support. Please consider donating today so Better2gether RVA can meet the needs of these deserving families and children.
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